Second Thoughts About University and My Course

Former Member

Yesterday, I arrived at my university where I’ll be studying Product Design and Technology.

Right now, I’m unsure about whether I actually want to do this course.

During secondary school, I studied Design & Technology (Product Design) at both GCSE and A-level, and I enjoyed it at the time. But now, at the last minute, I feel like I’ve lost interest in the subject.

I’m terrified of telling my parents about this because I know they’ll be really mad.

If I decide to quit university, it will be tough because:

• They’ll be disappointed, thinking I was passionate about product design.
• The time they spent bringing me to university open days will feel wasted.
• The effort they put into organising my student finance will be wasted.
• The money they invested in buying everything I need for university will feel wasted.
• The time I spent researching product design courses on UCAS will seem like a waste.
• The effort I put into writing my personal statement will feel pointless.

I hate myself right now for having second thoughts on my first day at university.

Since my course officially starts on the 23rd of September, should I try university for a couple of months to see if I enjoy it? If I don’t, then I’ll have to tell my parents. 😔

Gemma

Hey @NotJoshx, thank you for sharing this with us. It’s completely understandable to feel this way, especially on your first day arriving at uni.

Starting university can be a huge life change, and it’s not uncommon to experience second thoughts. It’s important to be kind to yourself right now, and know that uncertainty is a part of the process. The fact that you’re already reflecting deeply on this shows how much you care about your future. The concerns you have about your parents’ reaction are valid. It sounds like they’ve invested a lot of time and resources into supporting your journey, and you don’t want to disappoint them. But remember, your happiness matters too. You shouldn’t hate yourself for having second thoughts - this is a natural part of growth, and it’s okay to reconsider your path.

Would it help to think about what exactly has changed for you since studying Product Design at school? Is it the course content itself, the career path, or maybe the university experience that feels daunting right now? It’s possible that once you get into the flow of the course and experience more of what university has to offer, things might feel different. Could you allow yourself some time to settle in and see if these feelings change?

If after giving it a try you still feel the same, what would it look like to have an honest conversation with your parents about your doubts? You don’t have to have all the answers right now, but opening up might ease some of the pressure you’re feeling.

I also wondered if you have thought about talking to someone at your university, like a student advisor or your course officer? They might offer helpful advice or support in navigating these feelings. Whatever you decide, your wellbeing is what matters most, and it’s okay to take the time to figure things out. How do you feel about taking things one step at a time?

It's worth noting too that student finance typically covers the length of your course plus one extra year. This is because so many students start their courses and then decide to drop out and reapply for a different course. It's so common as it's so difficult to choose the right course when you're so young! So there are options for you to finance a different course if you start and change your mind within your first term.

Former Member

Hello @NotJoshx,

It's good that you are taking time to weigh up your options and to think things through carefully both for and against. You're not alone in your uncertainty: It's not uncommon for students to change courses once- if not twice! I started out in one subject and then in first year changed to a subject in a completely opposite discipline at a different Uni a year later. My friend changed course twice, trying three subjects in total. Please don't hate yourself- Uni is a season of growth and self-discovery, and often the best way to find out if you like something is to give it a go. From the experience you learn not just the course content but more about yourself and that sometimes means changing direction- like I did!

I know it's a tough decision when there are worries of hurting your parents. I'm really sorry it feels terrifying to tell them. It's easier when you know your parents understand your viewpoint, but it can be helpful to focus on how to navigate those difficult conversations rather than to avoid them altogether and to let that drive important life decisions. You may also find that your parents are more open to it once you've spent more time there.

University is such a big change and often doesn't feel great! I know people say "University is the best time of your life," but from my experience and of talking to my peers, that hasn't meant "University always felt like the best time of my life." It could be that once you have settled in and find your routine, you'll enjoy it more. I remember one student who discovered he loved the gym and going there gave him a headspace with enough joy to then like his course.

A couple of months would likely give you enough time to evaluate the day to day work rather than one day in isolation. One thing about Uni I think that is true for everyone is that you won't like all of it. It's not uncommon that students don't enjoy first year but find more freedom and room to like their work when they can choose optional modules in second year to tailor the course to their interests. Perhaps you could choose modules that spark your interest more in second year? Perhaps having time and space to reflect could also help you to pin-point exactly what it is that you don't like about it to help you understand what you would like. Have you lost interest because you feel demotivated/ tired/ in need of joy? Or is it really the subject itself?

One thing that might be urgent however is to give student finance a phone and check if they have an imminent deadline for withdrawing that might mean more repayment should you choose to leave later. It's good to have all the knowledge you need. Also chatting to your tutor to get their perspective could be a good shout! Please please release yourself from self-hate. You're not the first student to consider leaving and you certainly won't be the last! I did leave and switched, and it helped redirect my path. It may feel that time, energy, and resources have been wasted (and at the time that can feel so gutting!), but they're just stepping stones on your path. If you go through the process again, you'll be wiser by experience for it.

Other things to consider are: do you have an alternative course you could take? A degree can open doors to better jobs-and that in itself is very important to consider.
You also may want to consider potential regret in the future for having left without giving it a good chance. When a student leaves, they can feel quite blue after- in limbo before the next thing. That is temporary but because it may not feel great, it's really important to be sure of your reasons for leaving so you know you did the right thing.

We're here if you'd like to bounce your thoughts out to think things through.